Actively waiting...

After two weekends in a row of having "Oh my! This baby may be coming today" moments...here we are on Sunday night trying to keep our minds off of it and just hoping that the next time really IS the "time" to go to the hospital. It is such a different experience to be ACTUALLY prepared for the birth of a child instead of it just coming as an early surprise! We've set up the bassinet and changing table, washed all of her clothes, set out diapers, put together the double stroller, and have done large stock-up-the-pantry grocery shopping trips-twice! I've even had a bag packed for myself and Nolan which has been sitting in the van for over two weeks! If she doesn't come soon I'm not sure what else I'll do to keep me busy!! Even Nolan told his baby sister to "come out now" today!
I know I'm jumping the gun, I still technically have two more weeks-but I just NEVER thought that I would actually be pregnant THIS long! I've been prepared mentally to have our little girl since my 34th week (since that was what my Dr. said was technically pretty safe). I have a new respect for friends and relatives that have always carried to their due dates...pregnancy is a lot different after the 32 weeks that I experienced with Nolan!
I really do like being pregnant and love the feeling of this little life squirming around in my belly. I'll take the heartburn, and the backaches to make sure she's good and ready to come out. I just feel like an excited child on Christmas eve just waiting to see what Santa brought me! Both Kenny and I can't wait to meet our little girl! Wish us luck, and any labor inducing vibes you've got please feel free to send my way!!
In the meantime-here's a few pictures that we've taken as we have been preparing.

Webcam made easy

Nolan is a pretty technologically advance dude. He can work the computer, remote, and enjoys using the webcam with Grandparents. Sometimes he needs an attention directing device (ADD), as sitting for too long is sometimes difficult. One of the best ADDs that we have found goes by the name of NERF! I am not sure how this started but webcamming has never been the same!





Brittany is his favorite target! As you can see he has great aim.

I Ain't Gonna Paint no More

This is one of Nolan's favorite books. It is about a boy who likes to paint--well everything!





One day the momma discovered the boy's creation and wasn't so impressed. He was told, "Ya ain't gonna paint no more!" But of course, he listened about as well as a two year old would.

Well, monkey see, monkey do!

OK...OK! Here are the Prego Pics!

I have been telling family and friends that I'd post some prego belly pictures for the last 2 months and I'm just finally getting around to it! Since Nolan is a much better photo subject then either myself or Kenny he usually gets most of the shutter time. But last week Kenny and I finally decided to get some photos of this big belly just in case our little girl also decides to join us earlier than her 40 week due date.

Reflections on my 28 yrs.

When I think of myself, I think that I will always see myself as a 25 year old. By the time I was 25, I was happily married, pregnant with my first child and still oblivious to the upcoming challenges and joys ahead of our little family. Now 3 years later, so much has changed, yet still remains the same. It's just mostly the location of the main events that have taken place-but I still find that our days are filled with the same joy, laughter, frustration, and "character building" experiences that have always occurred whether in Utah or Wisconsin. But the one thing that I am most sure of is that I have chosen the right path for my life. I truly believe that I chose the right partner and embarked on a journey that only he and I could navigate together. The Lord has blessed us with two wonderful children so far, some incredibly supportive parents and siblings, and a group of friends to keep our spirits up when things get tough. So although I have a hard time wrapping my head around being 28yrs old this year, I know that things will only get better and the Lord has much more in store for us from here on out.
On a less serious note, here are a few pictures of my birthday. It was a great day full of phone calls from friends and family, a trip to the children's museum with Nolan, Kenny came home early bearing tulips (my favorite) and took us to the TGI Fridays at Miller Park for dinner and Oscars for Tiramisu custard for dessert. As Nolan put it "mmm...mmm...mmm...nummy....nummy"!

Nolan and I at Miller Park-

Gifts from Kenny & Nolan-a temperature/clock and a book light-I've been wanting these things forever but never think to ask for them-Thanks to Kenny for remembering!




And my gorgeous tulips...

Our funny boy

A day doesn't go by that Nolan doesn't do or say something so funny that I laugh when it happens, and then usually laugh when I tell Kenny or a grandparent about it later. His sense of humor has really developed and he is constantly humoring us with new tricks or sayings. When I get a picture of something really funny, that is just icing on the cake. Here are a few of the highlights.

Here he is modeling his new big boy undies from Grandma Whittaker.



This picture needs a little explanation right? Well, while having quite time in his room while I was making some calls for work I heard him saying "Mommy...ha ha ha...funny" (this was said in a very devious way mind you) I finally gave in and went to see what he was up to. He had discovered his swim diapers and decided to try a few on...he was very proud of the results.


We have always done lots of art projects-mostly finger painting with Nolan, but lately he loves to color or paint or glue anytime we get the chance.


Three months of sub-zero temperatures (ok maybe not every day-but most) will drive you to find entertainment in the simple things.


And finally, sofa cushion forts provide some hair-raising entertainment as well.

Whittaker Parents Visit

It's been a while since I've posted anything, so I'll be going back to December to start. We had a great Christmas and took tons of pictures, but I think we'll just have to save those for our own scrapbook.

I have to post this first picture of myself and
the ultrasound because I remember thinking at the time that my belly was pretty big...hah!! Wait until you see me now!


Here is a great picture of Nolan and his Gramma and Papa Whittaker when they came out to visit just after Christmas...we had a great time!


Since my parents have a Harley, we went to the new Harley Museum downtown to educate ourselves on the history of the all American motorcycle. (On a side note-to Nolan any motorcycle is a Harley)


Afterwards we hit the bar for a nice cold one in our souvenir cups...mmm Sprite...

Christmas Eve Suprise!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
This Christmas Eve had in store a wonderful surprise for our little family. As most of you know we had the ultrasound of our baby last week, but decided to have the nurse seal up the photo of the gender of our baby in an envelope and we would not open that until Christmas Eve. Well, it's been a long 7 days later and I'll admit I've actually lost some sleep over that envelope tucked into our Christmas tree containing vital details to my future! But it was worth the wait, and also really quite exciting!
When we FINALLY sat down on the couch last night we asked Nolan if he thought the baby would be a boy or a girl, his reply was "it's a girl"... AND HE WAS RIGHT!!!
We're having a girl!
We're so excited! Kenny is a little shocked-and has already started talking about buying a shotgun for when she starts dating! I had thought this baby was a girl all along, until the day of the ultrasound and after watching how wiggly and jumpy the baby was I was convinved I was having another boy! I was really getting used to the idea though, we'd have the ultimate little boy's room and not have to buy too many new clothes we'd be all set.
Oh well, Break out the student loans-we're going BABY GIRL shopping!

Breakfast anyone?

This lion and elephant was a gift to Nolan from Aunt Allyson. They sometimes don't get along though, and Nolan has to put them in time out because the lion will bite the elephant's trunck or attack him in a not so nice manner (He'll tell the lion "No bites!" and then make him give the elephant a kiss better). This morning though things were going pretty well, and all three of them were having some "nummies" together. Nolan thought it was very nice to share, so each glob you see in front of the animals is their yogurt, and his grin shows just how proud he is of himself.


I also wanted to show his method for drinking hot chocolate...it's very effective.

Thanksgiving Break

We had been counting down to our Thanksgiving break for about a month. Kenny had been SOOO busy with school exams and tutoring etc. that we all just really wanted some time to inhale as a family.
So we decided the Weds before to take a little day trip to Lake Geneva about 60 miles from our house. It was a nice, chilly day and it was a beautiful little ride to remind us that not everywhere in Wisconsin is city. Nolan slept in the car for the first time in a VERY long time (he likes the car ride a lot more since we got our van). Lake Geneva is a nice little town-I think it may be more of a retirement community/tourist trap, but definitely worth a look.
We visited the lake, fed some ducks and took a little walk and had dinner at McDonalds. Nothing too exciting, but it was still really nice.



We spent Thanksgiving dinner with some close friends hosted by John and Karisa McAllister. Everyone brought a few yummy dishes to share and the food was fantastic-but the company was better. Here is the only picture that was taken of the group-thanks to Karisa for being smart enough to have her camera!Too bad we don't have a picture of her though! In the photo are: Todd, Jessica & Malia Pitts, John, Garrett, Kenny & Echo,and Chelsea & Matt Rowan. Nolan and Isabel Rowan are in their repectable seats to the side of the table.